Garden criminals 'more prolific in summer'

Sunday (March 29th) marks the official beginning of British summertime, with clocks being set forward an hour.

With this in mind, conservatory owners will be getting ready to enjoy an extra hour of sunlight in the evenings as they enjoy views of their garden.

However, homeowners have been warned to protect their gardens during the summer months as this is when they are most likely to be targeted by thieves.

Saga Home Insurance conducted a study that found the months of January, March, June and July are when most garden-related thefts occur.

The research also revealed the average claim for garden thefts is £378 - only marginally less than those made following a storm (£387) or flood (£391).

It follows a recent warning from Halifax Home Insurance that garden crime rose by 63 per cent during the summer months in 2008.

Those looking to protect their cherished view should check locks on all conservatories, glasshouses, garden studios, gates and sheds to make sure criminals' lives are made tougher, Saga advises.

It also suggests marking valuable items with a waterproof ultraviolet pen to help the recovery process if a theft does occur.